‘Destroying our way of life’: Charles City neighbors push back against proposed data center

CHARLES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A proposed data center in Charles City County -- an area known for its rural charm and slower pace of life -- has neighbors concerned for the future.

The 515-acre site, located near Charles City and Roxbury roads, is currently zoned for agricultural use. County officials are considering a rezoning request that would pave the way for industrial development, led by Diode Ventures.

“They’re talking about destroying our way of life, all for a dollar,” said neighbor Jim Carlin.

Supporters of the project argue that the data center would provide a significant economic boost and create 50 to 100 permanent jobs. However, as the county is so rural, neighbors are questioning why the jobs have to be created through a data center.

"We don't even have a grocery store," said neighbor Linwood Burton. "But yet, still, we can let a data center come in."

PREVIOUS: Charles City neighbors voice frustrations over proposed data center

Residents also pointed out that it would take time before the center is constructed and those jobs are available.

"We didn't move out to rural Charles City County to live next to [an] eight to 10-year construction site of Constant Hum noise vibrations," said neighbor Jared Kline.

According to county documents, Diode plans to submit a sound study alongside its first site plan to address potential noise issues. Initially, Diode also proposed a 50-foot buffer between the data center and nearby homes. After public outcry, that buffer was increased to 200 feet.

Still, there would still be construction -- and neighbors said development would still cause disruption on its own.

Signs protesting the potential development of a data center in Charles City County. (Photo: 8News)

"The finished product is bad enough," neighbor Matthew Montgomery. "But there's years and years of traffic and construction and heavy equipment."

Concerns range from environmental disruption to impacts on the well water system, to years of construction noise and increased light pollution.

Neighbors said it puts the county's future, on the whole, in jeopardy.

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“If they get this through, it’s just going to be a steamroll effect -- they’re just going to keep rolling through the county,” Montgomery said.

On Tuesday, May 27, the county’s Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss three critical items: a rezoning ordinance and two special use permits. The outcome will determine whether the proposed data center moves forward, potentially reshaping Charles City County for generations to come.